Steam Engine # 7 Carries 300 Passengers to Visit Santa Claus. via the Polar Express Starting at Ocean Gateway on the Portland Waterfront. Polar Express is Sold Out for This Year.  

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, at approximaely 12:30 pm., Troopers responded to approximately 8 crashes and slide offs due to black ice on I 95 north of Waterville to the greater Bangor area.  The interstate southbound from mile 174 to 159 was shut down due to the conditions.  A tractor trailer ended up sideways across the interstate and there was one rollover crash.  There were only minor injuries

Vehicles were temporarily at a complete stop at mile 158 southbound.  The interstate at 174 southbound has re-opened to traffic.  A short time later Troopers responded to approximately 12 crashes and slide offs due to black ice at mile 188 southbound in Bangor.  One person was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The State Police was assisted by county and municipal agencies.  The speed limit was reduced to 45 mph in the area according to a press release from Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, for the Maine Department of Public Safety Augusta, late this afternoon.